Abstract
Purpose: To examine patients' perceptions of the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a safety net-based community health worker (CHW) program.Methods: Semistructured interviews with patient participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (n=13) were analyzed using a traditional text analysis method based on grounded theory.Results: This study highlights that the CHW program can improve satisfaction in accessing health services and community resources, and overall health outcomes of patients in safety net practices.Conclusion: Patients' overall positive perception of the CHW program suggests that the intervention may be a viable solution to address the health and social needs of patients in safety net settings.
Highlights
Growing evidence suggests that community health workers (CHWs) can play a key role in delivering culturally competent preventive care services, addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), and improving the health outcomes of underserved populations
The present study focuses on patients who have participated in the CHW pilot program to 1) explore patients’ perspectives on the feasibility of the CHW program, including the timing and frequency, location, and attendance at sessions, 2) understand the acceptability of the CHW program from the patients’ point of view, with respect to the format and content of the intervention, and in comparison to other available supports, and 3) evaluate the impact of the CHW program, in the areas of patients’ knowledge of and access to medical and community resources, relationship with the healthcare team, as well as the program’s impact on patients’ social support, self-efficacy, and patient-stated goals
Establishing appropriate funding mechanisms such as grants, incentives, and reimbursement would allow for the sustainability and scalability of CHW programs within safety net settings
Summary
Growing evidence suggests that community health workers (CHWs) can play a key role in delivering culturally competent preventive care services, addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), and improving the health outcomes of underserved populations. CHWs were an integral part of the collaboration with the Navajo Tribe because they helped to reduce cultural barriers and serve in nursing capacities [2]. Since the development of this early intervention, the role of CHWs has expanded to include health education, counseling, navigation assistance, social support and advocacy [1, 3]. Serving a critical role in the frontline healthcare team by improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs, the overall employment of CHWs is projected to grow 10 percent from 2018 to 2028, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations [4]. As the demand for CHWs continue to grow, there is a need for a deeper understanding of how to support effective integration of CHWs into diverse healthcare settings [5, 6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
